Mariners Preview (4/18/14): Chris Young Continues Revamp Project

SEATTLE, WA - APRIL 13: Starting pitcher Chris Young #53 of the Seattle Mariners gets a visit from catcher Mike Zunino #3 in the second inning against the Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field on April 13, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. The Athletics defeated the Mariners 3-0. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mike Zunino;Chris YoungChris Young (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

(1090 The Fan) — Chris Young’s first start in the majors in more than a year resulted in six scoreless innings — unfortunately, he doesn’t have a win to show for it. On Friday, the 34-year-old veteran looks to build off the fantastic outing and kick Seattle out of the three-game losing skid it’s in the middle of by shutting down the Marlins in Miami.

Like the Mariners, the Marlins are in the middle of a very rough stretch. They enter Friday’s game with losses in nine of its last 10. But for Chris Young, every start this season will be a challenge to regain his old form, regardless of who the opponent is. The 6’10” right-hander did not throw in the major leagues last year due to persistent shoulder issues. Young signed a one-year deal with Seattle after being released by the Washington Nationals at the end of Spring Training.

“I feel like I can throw the ball better,” Young said after his previous start. “I feel like the three walks were too many but ultimately I competed and made pitches when I had to. For a first start it’s not bad but certainly I want to build on it. I want to continue to build arm strength and command and better feel for my offspeed pitches but ultimately it’s about competing and putting up zeros. That’s my goal every time out — that you want to feel as good as you possibly can while doing so.”

Manager Lloyd McClendon hopes the streaky Mariners offense can support Young. After plating 10 runs in their prior five games, the Mariners scored all six of their runs in Thursday’s 8-6 loss in the third inning.

After scoring 26 runs in the opening series against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Seattle managed just eight runs in the next series against the Oakland A’s.

Getting the start for Miami will be Nathan Eovaldi who is 1-1 witha 4.19 ERA on the year. In his previous start, the right-hander allowed four runs in his first three innings, then retired 11 straight batters before giving up a single to his final one in Miami’s 5-4, 10-inning loss.

The Mariners are making their first trip to Miami since 2008 and their first-ever visit to Marlins Park. Miami holds a 5-4 edge in the all-time series.